Closure device with long tines

ABSTRACT

A device for engaging tissue may include a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending substantially normal to the plane. The body may be movable from a substantially planar configuration lying generally in the plane towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. The body may include a plurality of looped elements including alternating inner and outer curved regions. The inner curved regions may define an inner periphery of the body and the outer curved regions may define an outer periphery of the body in the planar configuration. A plurality of tines may extend from the outer curved regions. The tines may be oriented generally towards the central axis in the planar configuration and generally parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may extend beyond the central axis without passing through the central axis so as to collectively form a central lumen about the central axis in the planar configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to tissue closure apparatuses and methods.

2. The Relevant Technology

During intravascular and other related medical procedures, catheters are typically inserted through an incision or puncture in the skin and underlying tissues to access an artery or vein, typically in the groin, neck, or subclavian areas of a patient. The catheter can be inserted through a puncture in the blood vessel and guided to the desired site to perform interventional procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, stent delivery, plaque removal, and infusion of a therapeutic substance.

Often these procedures are performed by inserting a hollow needle through a patient's skin and muscle tissue into the vascular system. A guide wire then is passed through the needle lumen into the patient's blood vessel. The needle is removed and an introducer sheath is advanced over the guide wire into the vessel. The catheter typically is passed through the lumen of the introducer sheath and advanced over the guide wire into position for the medical procedure.

After the procedure is completed and the catheter and introducer sheath are removed from the patient, however, the access hole must be closed to prevent hemorrhage. This is typically achieved by applying pressure over the blood vessel manually and then by applying a pressure bandage or a compressive weight. With conventional methods, the risk of post-puncture hemorrhage is high, which can cause considerable complications. The risk of complications is exacerbated by the concomitant use of anticoagulant medications, such as heparin or warfarin, and by anti-platelet drugs, which are commonly used following a procedure in order to prevent clot formation and thrombus and/or to treat vascular disease.

It is generally recognized that many currently employed vascular sealing methods and devices and other tissue closure methods and devices incompletely seal holes or wounds in vascular or other tissue. Achieving complete wound closure is particularly important in sealing arterial punctures, which are relatively high pressure systems. For example, under normal blood pressure, the arterial system has a pressure of about 120/80 mmHg or more. Failure to completely close arterial holes can result in hematoma, exsanguination, and in extreme cases, may result in catastrophic consequences, such as limb amputation and death.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to devices and methods for engaging tissue, e.g., to connect tissue segments together or to close and/or seal openings through tissue, such as in a wall of a body lumen. More particularly, the present invention is directed to vascular closure devices or clips for closing a puncture in a wall of a blood vessel formed during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.

In one aspect of the present invention, a device for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending substantially normal to the plane. The body may be movable from a substantially planar configuration lying generally in the plane towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. The body may include a plurality of looped elements including alternating inner and outer curved regions that define an inner and outer periphery of the body, respectively, in the planar configuration. A plurality of tines may extend from the outer curved regions, and may be oriented generally towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and substantially parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration.

Each tine may extend through the inner periphery in the planar configuration. The inner periphery may bound a central region through which the central axis extends in the planar configuration, and at least one of the tines may extend into the central region. The looped elements of the device may bound inwardly facing cavities having a mouth bounded on either side by adjacent inner curved regions. Each tine may extend through a corresponding mouth.

The looped elements of the device may generally define an endless zigzag pattern, e.g., a substantially sinusoidal pattern, extending about the central axis. In addition, the looped elements may be expandable between expanded and compressed states for increasing and reducing a periphery of the body in the transverse orientation, respectively. The looped elements may be biased towards one of the compressed and expanded states.

In addition, one or more secondary tines may extend from the inner curved regions, and may be oriented generally towards and substantially orthogonal to the central axis in the planar configuration, and substantially parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The secondary tines may have a length substantially shorter than the primary tines that extend from the outer curved regions. The secondary tines may be disposed on either side of the primary tines.

In another aspect of the present invention, a device for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending substantially normal to the plane. The body may be movable from a substantially planar configuration lying generally in the plane towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. The body may also include a plurality of looped elements including alternating inner and outer curved regions that define an inner and outer periphery of the body, respectively, in the planar configuration. A plurality of tines may extend from the outer curved regions, and may be oriented generally towards the inner periphery in the planar configuration, and substantially parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may extend past the central axis without passing through the central axis so as to form a central lumen about the central axis in the planar configuration.

In the planar configuration, the tines may at least partially overlap and/or may extend completely through opposite sides of the inner periphery. The looped elements of the device may bound inwardly facing cavities. The inwardly facing cavities may have a mouth bounded on either side by adjacent inner curved regions. Each tine may extend through a corresponding mouth. Each tine may extend through the inner periphery and into a corresponding inwardly facing cavity on an opposite side of the body in the planar configuration. Each tine may be closer to one of the adjacent inner curved regions that bound the corresponding mouth than to the other of the adjacent inner curved regions that bound the corresponding mouth.

The looped elements of the device may generally define an endless zigzag pattern, e.g., a substantially sinusoidal pattern, extending about the central axis. The zigzag pattern may be asymmetrical.

In addition, one or more secondary tines may extend from the inner curved regions, and may be oriented generally towards and substantially orthogonal to the central axis in the planar configuration, and substantially parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The secondary tines may have a length substantially shorter than the tines that extend from the outer curved regions. The secondary tines may be disposed on either side of the primary tines.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages over conventional designs. For example, embodiments of a closure device according to the present invention may provide an improved, more complete closure of a vessel opening than prior designs. Furthermore, embodiments of a closure device according to the present invention may be less likely to snag a guide wire when installed. Other advantages may also be provided by the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, like numerals designate like elements.

FIG. 1A is a top view of a first embodiment of a clip including a plurality of tines in a planar orientation, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are side views of half of the clip of FIG. 1A, with the tines oriented substantially transversely from the planar orientation, in compressed and expanded states, respectively;

FIG. 1D is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a clip in a planar orientation based on the clip of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top view of a second embodiment of a clip including a plurality of tines in a planar orientation, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are side views of half of the clip of FIG. 2A, with the tines oriented substantially transversely from the planar orientation, in compressed and expanded states, respectively;

FIG. 2D is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a clip in a planar orientation based on the clip of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a third embodiment of a clip including a plurality of tines in a planar orientation, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3B and 3C are side views of a third of the clip of FIG. 3A, with the tines oriented substantially transversely from the planar orientation, in compressed and expanded states, respectively;

FIG. 3D is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a clip in a planar orientation based on the clip of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions in viewing the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses that are suitable for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in bodily tissues. Generally, the apparatuses and methods described herein can be used with any type of body tissue that has sufficient strength to be held together by the clips described hereinafter. By way of example only, embodiments of the present invention can be used to close openings in tissues that have a wall or membrane function, e.g, pulmonary, intestinal, vascular, urethral, gastric, renal or other wall structures, or in membranes, e.g., amniotic or pericardial membranes. Openings in other types of tissues can also be closed using embodiments of the present invention. Although many types of body tissue can be closed by the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein, the description included herein refers to “vessels” for convenience.

Clips according to embodiments of the present invention are useful for engaging tissue so as to connect tissue segments together or to close and/or seal openings through tissue such as a puncture wound in a body lumen. The clips may be used by deforming them from their generally planar configuration such that the tines are pointing in a direction generally transverse to the plane, holding the clip in this deformed condition, deploying the clip proximal to the tissue to be engaged and removing the deforming force such that the clip engages the tissue and attempts to return to its original generally planar configuration. Methods and delivery devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,623,510 and 6,719,777, which patents are incorporated herein by specific reference, can be used to deploy the clips of the present invention to engage tissue and close or seal an opening.

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1C show a first embodiment of a closure device or clip 100 for closing an incision, puncture, or other passage through tissue, such as, e.g., communicating with a blood vessel or other body lumen. Clip 100 includes a body 102, which may be generally annular in shape and surrounds a central axis 104, and a plurality of tissue engaging members or tines 106 extending from body 102. As used herein, an “annular-shaped body” includes any hollow body, e.g., including one or more structures surrounding an opening, whether the body is substantially flat or has a significant thickness or depth. Thus, although an annular-shaped body may be circular, it may include other noncircular shapes as well, such as elliptical or other shapes that are asymmetrical about a central axis.

Body 102 may include a plurality of looped or curved elements 108 that are connected to one another to form body 102. Each looped element 108 may include an inner or first curved region 110 and an outer or second curved region 112. In one embodiment, inner and outer curved regions 110 and 112 may be out of phase with one another and connected alternately to one another, thereby defining an endless substantially sinusoidal pattern. Alternatively, other generally zigzag patterns may be provided that repeat periodically, such as, e.g., saw tooth or square tooth patterns, instead of a sinusoidal pattern, thereby defining inner and outer regions that alternate about the body 102. The zigzag pattern may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. When clip 100 is in a substantially planar configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A, inner curved regions 110 may define an inner periphery 114 of body 102 and clip 100, and outer curved regions 112 may define an outer periphery 116.

As a result of the periodically repeating pattern, looped elements 108 may bound inwardly facing cavities 118 and outwardly facing cavities 120. Each inwardly facing cavity 118 may be bounded by one of the outer curved regions 112 and may have a mouth 122 at inner periphery 114 that is bounded by adjacent inner curved regions 110. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, inwardly facing cavity 118 a is bounded by outer curved region 112 a, and corresponding mouth 122 a is bounded by adjacent inner curved regions 110 a and 110 b.

Conversely, each outwardly facing cavity 120 may be bounded by one of the inner curved regions 110 and may have a mouth 124 at outer periphery 116 that is bounded by adjacent outer curved regions 112. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, outwardly facing cavity 120 a is bounded by outer curved region 110 b, and corresponding mouth 124 a is bounded by adjacent outer curved regions 112 a and 112 b.

Inwardly and outwardly facing cavities 118 and 120 may be substantially symmetrical or asymmetrical. Furthermore, inwardly facing cavities 118 may be radially positioned about central axis 104 in the planar configuration so that each directly faces central axis 104, as in the depicted embodiment. In other embodiments, one or more inwardly facing cavities may be radially positioned about central axis 104 so as to not directly face central axis 104, as discussed below.

Each tine 106 may extend from a corresponding outer curved region 112 to a spaced apart tip 126 and may be biased to extend generally inwardly, e.g., towards one another and/or generally towards central axis 104 when clip 100 is in the planar configuration. Each tine 106 may extend through the inwardly facing cavity 118 and mouth 122 corresponding to the outer curved region 112 from which the tine extends. As such, each tine 106 may extend through inner periphery 114 when clip 100 is in the planar configuration. Tines 106 may be provided in pairs opposite from one another or may be provided otherwise symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to central axis 104.

Tines 106 may include a variety of pointed tips 126, such as, e.g., a bayonet tip, and/or may include barbs for penetrating or otherwise engaging tissue. For example, to increase the penetration ability of clip 100 and/or to lower the insertion force required to penetrate tissue, each tine 106 may include a tapered edge extending towards tip 126 along one side of tine 106. Alternatively, each tine 106 may be provided with a tapered edge on each side of the tine 106 extending towards the tip.

Tines 106 may be disposed on every outer curved region 112, as in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, or on alternating outer curved regions 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 1D). Other patterns of disposition can also be used. Thus, at least one period of a zigzag pattern may be disposed between adjacent tines 106, which may enhance flexibility of clip 100.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show a body segment 128 that represents half of clip 100 in compressed and expanded states, respectively. In this configuration, one end 130 of body segment 128 may connect to or be integrally formed with the opposite end 132 of another similar body segment 128 such that two connected body segments 128 may form body 102.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, body 102 and/or tines 106 may be deflected such that tines 106 extend transversely with respect to the plane defined in the planar configuration, thereby defining a transverse configuration for clip 100. Tines 106 may be oriented substantially parallel to central axis 104 in the transverse configuration, as shown in FIG. 1B. In the transverse configuration, body 102 may have a generally annular shape defining a length, L₁, that extends generally parallel to central axis 104, and corresponds generally to an amplitude of the zigzag pattern. Body 102 may be sufficiently flexible such that clip 100 may assume a generally circular or elliptical shape. This may help, e.g., in clip 100 conforming to an exterior surface of a delivery device used to deliver the clip 100. As noted above, examples of such delivery devices can be found in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,623,510 and 6,719,777.

Tines 106 and/or body 102 may be biased to move from the transverse configuration of FIG. 1B towards the planar configuration of FIG. 1A. Thus, with tines 106 in the transverse configuration, tines 106 may penetrate and/or be engaged with tissue at a puncture site. When clip 100 is released, tines 106 may attempt to return towards one another as clip 100 moves towards the planar configuration, thereby drawing the engaged tissue together and substantially closing and/or sealing the puncture site. Because tines 106 extend from outer curved regions 112, a potentially wider area of the tissue around the puncture site can be engaged by the tines than when the tines are positioned on the inner curved regions 110. Furthermore, more tissue can be engaged by each tine and the tines may penetrate deeper into the tissue due to the longer tine length and the extension from the outer curved regions.

Looped elements 108 may distribute stresses in clip 100 as the clip is deformed between the planar and transverse configurations, thereby minimizing localized stresses that may otherwise plastically deform, break, or otherwise damage clip 100 during delivery. In addition, when clip 100 is in the transverse configuration, looped elements 108 may be movable between a compressed state, such as that shown in FIG. 1B, and an expanded state, such as that shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, looped elements 108 are biased towards the expanded state, but may be compressed to the compressed state, e.g., by constraining clip 100 by means of a suitable delivery device (not shown). Alternatively, only a portion of looped elements 108 may be biased towards the expanded state, e.g., the inner curved regions 110, and/or looped elements 108 may be biased towards the compressed state. Furthermore, looped elements 108 may reduce the force required to be exerted on clip 100 to cause clip 100 to transition from the planar configuration to the transverse configuration before loading onto a delivery device. The manner in which clips can be moved between the expanded and compressed states and the advantages of doing so is disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,623,510 and 6,719,777.

FIG. 1D depicts an alternative embodiment of a clip 100′ in a planar orientation based on clip 100 of FIG. 1A. While clip 100 has six looped elements 108 and six tines 106, clip 100′ has nine looped elements 108 and only three tines 106. More or less numbers of looped elements 108 and/or tines 106 may alternatively be used. Furthermore, in clip 100, every outer curved region 112 has a tine 106 extending therefrom, whereas in clip 100′, tines 106 extend from every third outer curved region 112. That is, there may be one or more outer curved regions 112 that do not include tines and that separate adjacent tines 160.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1D, one or more secondary tines 134 may extend from inner curved regions 110. Similar to tines 106, secondary tines 134 may be oriented generally towards central axis 104 in the planar configuration, and generally parallel to central axis 104 in the transverse configuration. Furthermore, similar to tines 106, each of secondary tines 134 may include a variety of known pointed tips, as discussed above. Secondary tines 134 may be shorter than tines 106. As such, with clip 100 in the transverse configuration, clip 100 may be delivered such that tines 106 entirely penetrate the wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen, while secondary tines 134 only partially penetrate the wall due to their relative lengths.

To manufacture clip 100 (or, similarly, any of the other clips described herein), body 102 and tines 106 may be integrally formed from a single sheet of material, e.g., a superelastic alloy, such as a nickel-titanium alloy (“Nitinol”). Portions of the sheet may be removed using conventional methods, such as laser cutting, chemical etching, photo chemical etching, stamping, using an electrical discharge machine (EDM), and the like, to form the clip. Clip 100 may be manufactured in an expanded oversize planar configuration to provide space for removing material and/or to allow for overlapping of tines, which method is disclosed in PCT Application US03/40812, which was filed on Dec. 17, 2003 and which is herein incorporated by specific reference in its entirety. Tines 106 (and/or secondary tines 134, if used) may be sharpened to a point, e.g., tips 126 may be formed on tines 106, using conventional methods, such as chemical etching, mechanical grinding, and the like.

Clip 100 may be polished to a desired finish using conventional methods, such as electro-polishing, chemical etching, tumbling, sandblasting, sanding, and the like. Polishing may perform various functions depending on the method used to form clip 100. For a clip formed by laser cutting or using an EDM, polishing may remove heat affected zones (HAZ) and/or burrs from the clip. For a clip formed by photo chemical etching, polishing may create a smoother surface finish. For a clip formed by stamping, polishing may remove or reduce burrs from the bottom side of the clip, and/or may smooth the “roll” that may result on the topside of the clip from the stamping process.

In addition or alternatively, clip 100 may be formed from a shape memory alloy, e.g., Nitinol, with looped elements 108 formed initially in the compressed state and/or clip 100 in the planar configuration. With clip 100 deformed to the transverse configuration, the clip 100 may be expanded, e.g., by applying a force radially outwards against an inner surface of clip 100, thereby expanding the looped elements 108 to the expanded state. Looped elements 108 may then be heat treated, e.g., by heating clip 100 to an austenitic state, to cause looped elements 108 to “remember” the expanded state, as is known to those skilled in the art. It may also be necessary to further heat treat clip 100 further, e.g., with the tines in the planar configuration to cause body 102 and/or tines 106 to “remember” and be biased towards the planar configuration, as is known to those skilled in the art. Clip 100 may then be cooled, e.g., to a martensitic state, which may be at or close to ambient temperature, and manipulated, e.g., malleably deformed to the transverse configuration, for example, by loading clip 100 onto a delivery device. Thus, if clip 100 is subsequently heated to a predetermined temperature, e.g., at or below body temperature, the material may remember the planar configuration and/or expanded state and become biased towards them.

FIGS. 2A-2C show a second embodiment of a closure device or clip 200. The reference numbers for elements of clip 200 are consistent with like elements used for clip 100.

In many commercial applications, a guide wire is used to help position a clip prior to closing an opening in a tissue. The guide wire may be retracted from the tissue as the clip moves from the transversal configuration to the planar configuration. As such, the guide wire is generally pushed to the middle (i.e., to the central axis) of the clip as the guide wire is removed. In many conventional clips, the guide wire may snag on one of the tines of the clip as the guide wire is refracted, which can cause various problems and may require additional work to remove the guide wire from the tines. In many cases the entire clip may need to be removed and replaced. Clip 200 may ameliorate this problem, as discussed below.

Clip 200 includes a generally annular-shaped body 202 defining a plane and disposed about a central axis 204 extending through the plane, and a plurality of tissue engaging members or tines 206 extending from body 202. Body 202 may include a plurality of looped elements 208 that are connected to one another to form body 202, similar to the previous embodiment. Each looped element 208 may include an inner curved region 210 and an outer curved region 212. Similar to the previous embodiment, inner and outer curved regions 210 and 212 may form an endless substantially sinusoidal pattern or other generally zigzag pattern. When clip 200 is in a substantially planar configuration, as shown in FIG. 2A, inner curved regions 210 may define an inner periphery 214 of clip 200, and outer curved regions 212 may define an outer periphery 216 of clip 200.

Looped elements 208 may bound inwardly facing cavities 218 and outwardly facing cavities 220, similar to the previous embodiment. That is, each inwardly facing cavity 218 may be bounded by one of the outer curved regions 212 and may have a mouth 222 at inner periphery 214 that is bounded by adjacent inner curved regions 210. Similarly, each outwardly facing cavity 220 may be bounded by one of the inner curved regions 210 and may have a mouth 224 at outer periphery 216 that is bounded by adjacent outer curved regions 212.

One or more of the inwardly facing cavities 218 may be radially positioned about central axis 204 in the planar configuration so as to face a direction that does not pass through central axis 204. That is, one or more inwardly facing cavities (denoted 218′) may be offset so as to open up to one side or the other of central axis 204. For example, FIG. 2A depicts a number of inwardly facing cavities 218′ that are formed so as to face directions that do not pass through central axis 204.

Similar to the previous embodiment, each tine 206 may extend from a corresponding outer curved region 212 to a spaced apart tip 226 and may be biased to extend generally inwardly, e.g., towards one another when clip 200 is in the planar configuration. Each tine 206 may extend from an outer curved region 212 through an offset inwardly facing cavity 218′ in a direction that does not pass through, i.e., is offset from, central axis 204. Tines 206 may or may not face substantially the same direction as inwardly facing cavity 218′. By facing a direction that does not pass through central axis 204, tines 206 may extend beyond central axis 204 without passing therethrough. Tines 206 may also be configured to extend beyond central axis 204 without overlapping or otherwise contacting each other. As a result, an open central lumen about central axis 204 may be collectively formed by tines 206.

For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2A, each tine 206 extends from a corresponding outer curved region 212, through a corresponding offset cavity 218′ in a direction that does not pass through central axis 204 and into a central region 236 bounded by inner periphery 214. Each tine 206 may be configured to be offset from central axis 204 a predetermined amount so as to be able to extend a predetermined distance to the side of central axis 204. Each of tines 206 can be configured to be offset the same amount or different amounts from central axis 204. For example, each tine 206 may form an angle α with respect to a radial that intersects central axis 204 that is between about 1 degree to about 20 degrees, with about 6 degrees to about 15 degrees being common. Other angles may alternatively be used.

As shown in FIG. 2A, tines 206 can be configured to extend beyond central axis 204 toward, but not overlap adjacent tines 206. In this manner, distal ends 238 of tines 206 can collectively bound an open central lumen 240 about central axis 204. Using a bounded open central lumen may result in a better closure of a tissue opening because a complete closure of the opening can be obtained in the planar configuration. Furthermore, because tines 206 are angled away from central lumen 240, a guide wire, if used, may freely pass by (i.e., not snag on) any of the offset tines 206 as the guide wire is retracted from the opening.

Although depicted as not overlapping, it is appreciated that one or more tines 206 can alternatively overlap each other, if desired, as discussed below.

Similar to the previous embodiment, tines 206 may include a variety of pointed tips and/or barbs, as discussed above. Furthermore, tines 206 may be disposed on every outer curved region 212 or on alternating outer curved regions 212. Other patterns of disposition can also be used.

FIGS. 2B and 2C show a body segment 228 that represents half of clip 200 in compressed and expanded states, respectively, similar to the prior embodiment. In this configuration, one end 230 of body segment 228 may connect to or be integrally formed with the opposite end 232 of another similar body segment 228 such that two connected body segments 228 may form body 202.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, body 202 and/or tines 206 may be deflected such that tines 206 extend transversely with respect to the plane defined in the planar configuration, thereby defining a transverse configuration for clip 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, tines 206 can be offset from central axis 204 so as to be non-collinear therewith in the transverse configuration. However, although tines 206 may not be collinear with central axis 204, tines 206 may lie within a plane that is oriented generally parallel to central axis 204 in the transverse configuration.

FIG. 2D depicts an alternative embodiment of a clip 200′ in a planar orientation based on clip 200 of FIG. 2A. While clip 200 has six looped elements, clip 200′ has nine looped elements. More or less numbers of looped elements 208 may alternatively be used. In addition, similar to the previous embodiment, one or more secondary tines 234 having similar characteristics as secondary tines 134 may extend from inner curved regions 210. Furthermore, while tines 206 extend through inwardly facing cavities 118′ that are offset in clip 200, tines 206 extend through inwardly facing cavities 118 that are not offset in clip 200′. As a result, each tine 206 may be closer to one of the adjacent inner curved regions 210 that bound the corresponding mouth 222 than to the other of the adjacent inner curved regions 210 that bound the mouth 222. For example, in FIG. 2D, tine 206 a is closer to inner curved region 210 a than to inner curved region 102 b that bound mouth 222 a. In addition, tines 206 may overlap each other to form central lumen 240, as shown in FIG. 2D. Overlapping of tines 206 may cause the tissue to overlap, thereby providing a possibly better closure. For embodiments described herein in which two or more of the tines overlap, the closure device can be manufactured in an expanded planar sized configuration or a cylindrical configuration using a heat treating or setting process, as discussed above, to cause the closure device to bias towards the planar state in which the tines overlap.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a third embodiment of a closure device or clip 300 wherein the tines overlap to form a central region. The reference numbers for elements of clip 300 are consistent with like elements used for clips 100 and 200. Similar to the previous embodiments, clip 300 includes a generally annular-shaped body 302 defining a plane and disposed about a central axis 304 extending through the plane, and a plurality of tissue engaging members or tines 306 extending from body 302. Body 302 may include a plurality of looped elements 308 that are connected to one another to form body 302, similar to the previous embodiments. Each looped element 308 may include an inner curved region 310 and an outer curved region 312. Similar to the previous embodiment, inner and outer curved regions 310 and 312 may form an endless substantially sinusoidal pattern or other generally zigzag pattern.

When clip 300 is in a substantially planar configuration, as shown in FIG. 3A, inner curved regions 310 may define an inner periphery 314 of clip 300, and outer curved regions 312 may define an outer periphery 316 of clip 300. However, in contrast to the previous embodiments, one or more of the inner curved regions 310 may be recessed towards outer periphery 316 so as to not be used in defining inner periphery 314. That is, one or more inner curved regions 310 may not extend to inner periphery 314. For example, in FIG. 3A inner curved regions 310′ are not used to define inner periphery 314.

Looped elements 308 may bound inwardly facing cavities 318 and outwardly facing cavities 320, similar to the previous embodiments. That is, each inwardly facing cavity 318 may be bounded by one of the outer curved regions 312 and may have a mouth 322 at inner periphery 314 that is bounded by adjacent inner curved regions 310. Similarly, each outwardly facing cavity 320 may be bounded by one of the inner curved regions 310 and may have a mouth 324 at outer periphery 316 that is bounded by adjacent outer curved regions 312.

Similar to the second embodiment, one or more of the inwardly facing cavities (denoted 318′) may face a direction that does not pass through central axis 304. That is, one or more inwardly facing cavities 318′ may be offset so as to open up to one side or the other of central axis 304. Furthermore, one or more of the offset inwardly facing cavities 318′ can be paired with an opposing offset inwardly facing cavity 318′ such that both cavities “point” towards each other. For example, inwardly facing cavities 318 a′ and 318 b′ are configured to face a direction that does not pass through central axis 204, yet point towards each other on opposite sides of body 302.

Similar to the previous embodiments, each tine 306 may extend from a corresponding outer curved region 312 to a spaced apart tip 326 and may be biased to extend generally inwardly, e.g., towards one another when clip 300 is in the planar configuration. Similar to the second embodiment, discussed above, each tine 306 may extend from an outer curved region 312 through an offset inwardly facing cavity 318′ and into a central region 336 bounded by inner periphery 314 so as extend in a direction that does not pass through i.e., is offset from, central axis 304. This may allow tines 306 to extend beyond central axis 304 without passing therethrough so as to collectively bound an open central lumen 340 about central axis 304, similar to the previous embodiment. Each tine 306 may form an angle α with respect to a radial that intersects central axis 304 in similar ranges as discussed with regard to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, tines 306 may extend beyond central axis 304 so as to overlap each other. Furthermore, one or more tines 306 may extend completely through central region 336 so that each tip 326 may extend into a corresponding paired inwardly facing cavity 318′ positioned on an opposite side of body 302 as the inwardly facing cavity 318′ from which tine 306 extends. For example, in FIG. 3A, tine 306 a extends from outer curved region 312 a, through inwardly facing cavity 318 a′, completely through central region 336 and into opposing inwardly facing cavity 318 b′. Overlapping tines 306 may provide a better closure than non-overlapping tines. Furthermore, the extension of tines into opposing inwardly facing cavities may cause the tissue to compress against the opposing inwardly facing cavities when clip 300 is moved to the planar configuration, thereby causing tighter and more secure closure.

Similar to the previous embodiment, tines 306 may include a variety of pointed tips and/or barbs, as discussed above.

FIGS. 3B and 3C show a body segment 328 that represents a third of clip 300 in compressed and expanded states, respectively. In this configuration, one end 330 of body segment 328 may connect to or be integrally formed with the opposite end 332 of another similar body segment 328 such that three connected body segments 328, sequentially connected, may form body 302.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, body 302 and/or tines 306 may be deflected such that tines 306 extend transversely with respect to the plane defined in the planar configuration, thereby defining a transverse configuration for clip 300. As shown in FIG. 3B, tines 306 can be offset from central axis 304 so as to be non-collinear therewith in the transverse configuration. However, although tines 306 may not be collinear with central axis 304, tines 306 may lie within a plane that is oriented generally parallel to central axis 304 in the transverse configuration.

FIG. 3D depicts an alternative embodiment of a clip 300′ in a planar orientation based on clip 300 of FIG. 2A. While clip 300 has nine looped elements, clip 300′ has six looped elements. In clip 300′ the looped elements 308 of clip 300 that include inwardly facing cavities 318 through which no tines 306 pass have been removed. As a result, the only looped elements 308 that remain are those that include inwardly facing cavities through which a tine 306 passes. Of course more or less numbers of looped elements 208 may alternatively be used in various configurations.

Furthermore, where the looped elements have been removed, the inner curved regions 310 may be positioned further inward (i.e. toward central axis 304) in the planar configuration so as to cause inner periphery 314 to have a smaller diameter and therefore be closer to tines 306. This may aid in providing a more secure and effective closure action.

Clip 300 can also be modified in other ways similar to one or more of the previous embodiments. For example, one or more secondary tines having similar characteristics to those described previously may extend from one or more inner curved regions 310. Furthermore, tines 306 may extend through inwardly facing cavities 318 that are not offset. Other alternatives may also be possible.

It is appreciated that in addition to the many variations described above, many additional modifications to any of the inventive clips are envisioned and encompassed by the current application. For example, the clip may include radiopaque or other markers, and/or porous surfaces to promote tissue ingrowth. Also, the clip may be coated in whole or in part with a bioabsorbable material and/or coated with a material containing a substance which is delivered to the patient for therapeutic, diagnostic or other purposes. Such coatings may comprise peptides, clotting factors or other materials designed to benefit the patient. Also, any of the tines associated with any particular clip may be of equal length and shape or may be of differing lengths and/or shapes. In addition, although depicted as being substantially straight, any of the tines described herein can alternatively be curved or arcuately shaped. Other tine shapes are also possible. Stop members or spring elements, as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,510 may also be used with the clip.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A device for engaging tissue, comprising: a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending substantially normal to the plane, the body being movable from a substantially planar configuration lying generally in the plane towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane, the body comprising: a plurality of looped elements comprising alternating inner and outer curved regions, the inner curved regions defining an inner periphery of the body and the outer curved regions defining an outer periphery of the body in the planar configuration; and a plurality of tines extending from the outer curved regions, the tines being oriented generally towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and generally parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is biased towards the planar configuration for biasing the tines generally towards the central axis.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the looped elements generally define an endless zigzag pattern extending about the central axis.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of looped elements are movable between expanded and compressed states for increasing and reducing, respectively, a periphery of the body in the transverse orientation.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of looped elements are biased towards the compressed state.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more secondary tines extending from the inner curved regions, the secondary tines being oriented generally towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and generally parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tines extends through the inner periphery in the planar configuration.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner periphery bounds a central region through which the central axis extends in the planar configuration, and at least one of the tines extends into the central region.
 9. A device for engaging tissue, comprising: a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending substantially normal to the plane, the body being movable from a substantially planar configuration lying generally in the plane towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane, the body comprising: a plurality of looped elements comprising alternating inner and outer curved regions, the inner curved regions defining an inner periphery of the body and the outer curved regions defining an outer periphery of the body in the planar configuration; and a plurality of tines extending from the outer curved regions, the tines being oriented toward the inner periphery in the planar configuration, each tine extending beyond the central axis without passing through the central axis so as to collectively form a central lumen about the central axis in the planar configuration, the tines being oriented generally parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the tines at least partially overlap each other in the planar configuration.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein at least one tine extends completely through an opposite side of the inner periphery in the planar configuration.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the looped elements bound inwardly facing cavities and at least one tine extends through one of the inwardly facing cavities and into another of the inwardly facing cavities in the planar configuration.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the looped elements bound inwardly facing cavities and at least one tine extends from one of the outer curved regions on one side of the body through the inner periphery and into a corresponding inwardly facing cavity on an opposite side of the body in the planar configuration
 14. The device of claim 9, wherein at least one looped element bounds an inwardly facing cavity that faces a direction that does not pass through the central axis in the planar configuration.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein one of the tines extends through the inwardly facing cavity in substantially the same direction as the inwardly facing cavity so as to not pass through the central axis in the planar configuration.
 16. The device of claim 9, wherein the looped elements generally define an endless zigzag pattern extending about the central axis.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the zigzag pattern is asymmetrical.
 18. The device of claim 9, wherein the looped elements bound inwardly facing cavities having a mouth bounded on either side by adjacent inner curved regions, and wherein each tine extends through a corresponding mouth.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein each tine is closer to one of the adjacent inner curved regions that bound the corresponding mouth than to the other of the adjacent inner curved regions that bound the corresponding mouth.
 20. The device of claim 9, further comprising one or more secondary tines extending from the inner curved regions, the secondary tines being oriented generally towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and generally parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. 